Amid the hustle and bustle of political upheaval in Delhi, the mention of a certain place called Sheesh Mahal has captured the attention of many. This luxurious bungalow, once the residence of former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, has become a symbol of controversy and intrigue for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The party’s promise of a ‘guided tour’ inside Sheesh Mahal has set tongues wagging and expectations soaring among political circles and the general public alike.
The Sheesh Mahal Saga
Located at 6, Flagstaff Road in north Delhi, Sheesh Mahal holds a significant place in the political landscape of the city. It was the official residence of Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal during his tenure as the CM of Delhi. However, the bungalow has now taken on a new persona, thanks to the BJP’s relentless scrutiny of Kejriwal’s alleged extravagant lifestyle.
The term ‘Sheesh Mahal’ was first introduced as a taunt by the BJP and Prime Minister Modi, accusing Kejriwal of indulging in lavish spending at the expense of taxpayers. The recent announcement by BJP leader Parvesh Verma to take reporters on a ‘guided tour’ inside Sheesh Mahal has added a fresh twist to the ongoing political drama surrounding the bungalow.
Verma, who was a formidable contender for the post of Delhi CM, emerged victorious in the February 2025 Delhi Elections, defeating Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency. His decision to open the doors of Sheesh Mahal to the public for scrutiny is seen as a bold move to expose the alleged mismanagement of public funds by the AAP government.
The Intriguing Sheesh Mahal Tour
In a bold and unprecedented move, Parvesh Verma declared his intention to lead reporters on a tour inside Sheesh Mahal, offering them a firsthand look at the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by Kejriwal during his tenure. The promise of revealing the inner workings of the bungalow, funded by taxpayers’ money, has generated a buzz of excitement and curiosity among the media and the public.
Verma’s statement, “Abhi hum chal rahe hai… aapko ‘Sheesh Mahal’ dikha ke aate hai,” (I am going there now, will take you all to the Sheesh Mahal), sets the stage for a revealing journey into the heart of the controversy surrounding Sheesh Mahal. The tour aims to shed light on the alleged extravagant expenses incurred during the renovation of the bungalow, including exorbitantly priced curtains, minibars, and silk carpets.
Unveiling the Sheesh Mahal Audit Report
The recent audit report of the renovation at Sheesh Mahal has laid bare the shocking truth behind the alleged misuse of public funds. Revelations of extravagant expenses, such as curtains worth ₹96 lakh, a minibar valued at ₹4.80 lakh, and silk carpets priced at ₹16.27 lakh, paint a picture of excess and indulgence that has sparked outrage among taxpayers.
Initially estimated to cost ₹7.91 crore, the final tally for the renovation of Sheesh Mahal by the Public Works Department (PWD) in 2022 skyrocketed to a staggering ₹33.66 crore, four times the original estimates. Reports of illegal annexation of neighboring government properties to create an “ultra-luxurious ‘Sheesh Mahal'” have further fueled the controversy surrounding Kejriwal’s former residence.
As the saga of Sheesh Mahal unfolds, the public eagerly awaits the outcome of the guided tour promised by Parvesh Verma, hoping to gain insight into the alleged mismanagement and extravagant spending that have dominated headlines in the lead-up to the Delhi Assembly Elections. The revelations from inside Sheesh Mahal are poised to reshape the political landscape and shed light on the complex web of power, privilege, and public accountability that defines the realm of Indian politics.
